The national government intensified its readiness for a prolonged relief operation in Albay as the number of residents affected by Mayon Volcano’s activity climbed toward the 200,000 mark, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said Tuesday, May 5.

OCD spokesperson Junie Castillo confirmed that while resources remain sufficient, authorities are bracing for a scenario that could last up to half a year. Earlier, President Marcos Jr. directed government agencies to conduct a prompt and orderly response as authorities began discussing anticipated needs in the event the volcano’s status escalates to Alert Level 4.

“In terms of resources for the evacuees, these are still sufficient, but the challenge really comes with this kind of volcanic eruption. The last time this happened with Mayon, it lasted for six months, so that is the challenge there,” Castillo said on Tuesday, May 5.

The latest official data from the OCD Region V showed that the unrest has disrupted the lives of 52,590 families or 199,367 persons across 124 barangays.

OCD deputy spokesperson Diego Mariano reported that 1,444 families were staying inside evacuation centers while another 26 families or 85 individuals were receiving assistance while staying with relatives or friends.

Response efforts transitioned into a multi-agency operation following the volcano's recent ash emissions and its sustained Alert Level 3 status over the weekend. Since January, when the OCD raised Mayon’s status to Alert Level 3, the government has enforced evacuations within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone due to increased volcanic activities.

“For now, our fellow citizens there—this only happened last Saturday—most of them are still cleaning up, doing debris clearing of ash,” Castillo said.

He noted that national and local agencies continue to distribute N95 masks and clear ashfall.

Meanwhile, to address the immediate shortage of potable water in hard-hit municipalities of Guinobatan, Camalig, and Ligao City, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has deployed two water purification and desalination units to Albay.

“This desalination unit has the capability to provide more than 10,000 liters of clean drinking water daily to help our fellow citizens, particularly those in evacuation centers,” Cayabyab said.

The PCG has also mobilized its land mobility assets and deployable response groups to help in evacuation and debris clearing under the direction of the Albay Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to maximize its resources.

On the ground, teams from the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Philippine National Police, and the Department of Public Works and Highways have begun debris-clearing operations. They are removing heavy ashfall that has accumulated on major roads to ensure the safe passage of relief goods.

Castillo emphasized that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) also continues to replenish food stocks across its regional warehouses.

“Year in, year out, it continues. When supplies run low, they are replenished, and the same goes for the quick response funds,” he added.

Health also remains a primary concern as fine ash particles continue to permeate the air. As such, Castillo warned the public that these particles might be invisible but are highly dangerous.

“The concentration of toxic fumes from the volcano is high. If possible, keep doors and windows closed and cover any gaps with a wet cloth, especially if someone has a medical condition like asthma or a respiratory illness. This should be done to avoid inhaling the fumes,” Castillo said.

The OCD official further advised residents to stay indoors and remain hydrated to reduce irritation in the throat and lungs.

Meanwhile, for those who wish to donate relief items, he urged them to coordinate directly with the OCD or DSWD to ensure that the immediate needs of the evacuees are prioritized.